By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — A Nigerian author and Pan-African advocate, Edeh Benjamin, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to spearhead the creation of a United African Republic (UAR) — a proposed federation of ECOWAS member states — as a bold and lasting solution to Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and regional instability.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, Benjamin, author of “The Broken Wings of an Eagle”, argued that only a radical shift toward African unity and integration could effectively address the root causes of terrorism, banditry, and underdevelopment plaguing Nigeria and West Africa.

“The real solution is unity. The United African Republic, made up of all ECOWAS countries, would function as one sovereign entity — with a single government, defense force, and economy,” he stated.

According to Benjamin, Nigeria’s internal crises are symptoms of larger regional dysfunctions born out of colonial legacies, national fragmentation, and weak intergovernmental coordination. He asserted that a continental security structure, under a unified West African superstate, would be better equipped to neutralize transnational threats.

“Insecurity in Nigeria can no longer be solved in isolation. It requires a regional approach under a unified system,” he said.

Benjamin called on President Tinubu, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to seize the moment and lead the continent toward integration, describing the idea of the UAR as more than a political dream — but a “survival strategy.”

He outlined key features of the proposed United African Republic: A unified military and intelligence network, A central government for ECOWAS countries, Shared citizenship and common currency, A harmonized constitution and legal framework and Integrated infrastructure and governance systems

To actualize the idea, Benjamin urged ECOWAS to immediately set up a transitional committee to draft a federal constitution and unification roadmap. He also advocated youth mobilization, continent-wide consultations, and public education campaigns to raise awareness and build consensus.

In his concluding appeal, he called on President Tinubu to rise to the occasion: “Let history remember you not just as President of Nigeria, but as the founding father of a new African supernation — the United African Republic,” Benjamin declared.

While the proposal may be seen as ambitious and controversial, Benjamin’s call adds to ongoing Pan-African debates about regional integration, sovereignty, and the future of African security architecture.